It seems that every time I think we have a bit of time to relax our vigilance and focus exclusively on our practices, the enemies of Justice launch another attack. John Thrasher is running for the open seat in State Senate District 8 (Jacksonville). What does a Jacksonville State Senate race mean to us down here in Broward County?
For those of you who are unfamiliar with State politics, James Thrasher may be an unknown to you. As Speaker of the House, Thrasher joined forces with Jeb Bush on a mission to destroy Florida’s civil justice system. In my opinion, no one has done more harm to your client’s rights and Florida’s consumers than John Thrasher. After leaving the Florida House of Representatives, he joined a well-connected lobbying group and has spent the last eight years lobbying against Florida’s consumers on behalf of special interests the likes of the big tobacco, big petroleum and big insurance.
Make no mistake about it. John Thrasher is no friend of Florida consumers or our clients. As Speaker of the House in 1999, he began his assault on consumer’s rights by creating a sliding scale where Joint & Several does not apply, dismantling of punitive damages with immunization of employers for acts of employees and severe limitations on damages awardable, creating a 12-year statute of repose in products cases. enacting a Government Rules Defense in product liability cases, and limiting the dangerous instrumentality doctrine, including caps on rental car liability.
The fight for justice for consumers has been moved up this year. If we do not pitch in and do our part to oppose John Thrasher now, Florida consumers and your clients will be facing a grim decade. We need to move now, folks. The primary is scheduled for September 15th. Let’s take this opportunity to get involved and take steps to preemptively protect our clients and the consumers of this state.